"No, I don't. But I fancy the good ones were sold off long ago--twenty years ago I believe. There was a sale--a lot of rubbish of sorts. I took it for granted that Lister's people cleaned out everything worth taking." "When you go back," said Sir Charles, "inspect that rubbish again. Perhaps Lister's people overlooked enough to get you out of your financial difficulties. Pictures that sold for £100 twenty years ago might bring £1,000 to-day. It's merely a suggestion, Dankmere--if you'll pardon it." "And a good one," added O'Hara. "I know a lot of interestin' people and they tell me that you can sell any rotten old picture over here for any amount of money. Sting 'em, Dankmere. Get to 'em!" "You might send for some of your pictures," said Lacy, "and have a shot at the auction-mad amateur. He's too easy." "And pay duty and storage and gallery hire and auction fees!--no, thanks," replied the little Earl, cautiously. "I've burnt my bally fingers too often in schemes." "I've a back room behind my office," said Quarren. "You can store them there if you like, without charge." "Besides, if they're genuine, there will be no duty to pay," explained Sir Charles. Dankmere sucked on his cigar but made no comment; and the game went on, disastrously for him. Quarren said casually to Sir Charles: "I suppose you will be off to Newport, soon." "To-morrow. When do you leave town?" "I expect to remain in town nearly all summer." "Isn't that rather hard?" "No; it doesn't matter much," said the boy indifferently. "Many people are already on the wing," observed Lacy. "The Calderas have gone, I hear, and the Vernons and Mrs. Sprowl," added O'Hara. "I suppose the Wycherlys will open Witch-Hollow in June," said Quarren carelessly. "Yes. Are you asked?" "No." "Doubtless you will be," said Sir Charles. "Jim Wycherly is mad about aviation and several men are going to send their biplanes up and try 'em out." "I'm goin'," announced O'Hara. Quarren drew one card, and filled his house. Sir Charles laid aside his useless hand with a smile and turned to Quarren: "Mrs. Leeds has spoken so often and so pleasantly of you that I have been rather hoping I might some day have the opportunity of knowing you better. I am very glad that the Legation asked me to-night." Quarren remained absolutely still for a few moments. Then he said: "Mrs. Leeds is very generous in her estimate of me." "She is a woman of rare qualities." "Of unusual qualities and rare charm," said Quarren coolly.... "I think, Karl, that I'll make it ten more to draw cards. Are you all staying in?" * * * * * Before the party broke up--and it was an early one--Lord Dankmere turned to Quarren. "I'll drop in at your office, if I may, some morning," he said. "May I?"